Chelsea not distracted by Barcelona clash, insists Juan Mata

Juan Mata insists Chelsea are not getting distracted by their forthcoming Champions League clash with Barcelona

Juan Mata signed for Chelsea from Valencia last August The Sport Review

Juan Mata insists Chelsea will not get distracted by their Champions League showdown with Barcelona as they continue their push for a top-four finish in the Premier League.

The Blues’ late 2-1 victory over Wigan Athletic on Saturday moved Roberto Di Matteo’s men to within three points of fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur, who could only manage a draw against Sunderland.

And Mata, who admits some much-needed belief has been restored at Stamford Bridge since Di Matteo took over from André Villas-Boas in March, insists he and his team-mates are not looking past Monday night’s clash with Fulham at Craven Cottage.

“We have confidence now, confidence that results gave to us,” Mata told Chelsea’s website. “We are on a good run without playing very well. We can play better than we did against Wigan but the three points are more important.

“Our priority now is Fulham. There is still life in three competitions and we have very important games in the FA Cup and next week against Barcelona but we are only looking at Fulham now – that is our priority.

“We are still alive in three competitions and we have very important games in the FA Cup and next week against Barcelona but we are only looking at Fulham now.”